Over the summer we noticed how sad these abandoned Little Free Pantries a couple blocks away from our were looking.

For National Food Pantry Day (the first Friday of September), we decided to clean out our home pantries and food Cellar and clear out what was close enough to expiring that we knew we couldn’t use up in time or that we just won’t eat like prepackaged easy meals that have been taking up valuable space. Most of these were items that we received from various food pantries ourselves or family members passed to us over time that I wouldn’t have purchased myself.

We Bagged up our items and walked them in the wagon down to the Little Free Pantries.

When we returned this time, one was almost completely empty with just a couple cans. The other had extremely moldy bread, and things just tossed in with no organization. The door on one had been broken off with the piece at least tossed back inside. We’ll have to remember to bring superglue next time.

We organized both pantries and added all of the food that we brought to donate. Someone yelled out the window to let us know that they thought it was very kind of us.

We used one of the bags that we brought the food in to collect trash on our walk home, beginning with the moldy bread and items on the ground near the boxes. We filled the bag full as usual by the time we got back home.

Today I encourage you to clean out your pantries, kitchens, or cellars too. Clear out what you can and take it to your local food pantry or food collection box.

Over the last 4 years, food banks have been in crisis mode. They have far more people in need than ever before and not enough donations to keep up with the growing demand. Our family is one of the 47 million that has personally been affected by hunger & food insecurity during this time.

Food insecurity has changed how I run my home’s kitchen & Pantry drastically. I became very serious about building an emergency food supply of shelf stable items and frozen meat for my family. I learned to cook only from scratch so when there is no food, I am still able to come up with something. I stopped buying anything except ingredients and produce. I began getting clever with Leftovers to prevent waste. I also began composting for my garden to prevent waste. I began getting very serious about growing my own food and baking my own bread as well.

HERE are other ways that you and your family can help in September Hunger Action Month.

Until next time ♡ Mama Morozov